Shakespearean Tragedy
Tragedy:
A tragedy is a dramatic composition which excites pity and terror by a
succession of unhappy events and in which the leading character is
brought to his defeat or destruction as a result of some passion or
limitation of the protagonist’s character.
The definition of tragedy lies not in the violent death with which the action
so often concludes, but in the error or limitation which results in the
protagonist’s failure and death. The downfall of the protagonist is the
result of some flaw in his character.
Elements of Drama
Setting:
In Shakespeare’s time, no elaborate sets or backdrops were used, so
dialogue had to evolve in the mind of the audience to create an impression
of the setting. Remember that all of Shakespeare’s plays would have
been performed in the afternoon, in an open air theatre, so any nighttime
scenes had to set the audience up using dialogue to realize that they were
watching a nighttime scene. Settings were carefully chosen and created a
dominant atmosphere that paralleled the action of the play.
Conflict:
The sequence of incidents in the conflict of the protagonist (who is
struggling to gain an important objective).
Usually an incident early in the play sets in motion an external conflict.
This external conflict will often precipitate an internal conflict in the mind of
the protagonist. This inner conflict and its resolution are significant
features of the play.
Structure of Shakespearean Tragedy:
Each Shakespearean tragedy is divided into five acts and contains the following
six elements:
Exposition: - Introduction of characters
- Establishment of plots
- Setting - atmosphere, mood, time and place
- Theme
- Background information is given.
Complication:
Crisis:
- Interplay of characters (conflict)
- Development of plot
- Point at which the fortunes of the protagonist come to their height.
- From here to the end of the play, the fortunes of the protagonist are
falling.
Falling Action:
- The falling fortunes of the protagonist.
- The apparent ascendency of the antagonist.
Climax and Outcome:
(Catastrophe)
- Point at which the fate of the protagonist is resolved (climax)
- The results of the actions and events of the play (denoument)
- The new order to prevail from this point forward (outcome)
The five stages and the Acts of the play:
Exposition:
Act One
Complication:
Act Two
Crisis:
Act Three
Falling Action:
Act Four
Climax and
Outcome:
Act Five
Dramatic Devices
Soliloquy
This is a speech made by a character when he is alone on stage. The purposes of a
soliloquy are:
•
reveal the mood of the speaker and reason for it
•
reveal the character’s opinion of some other person in the play
•
reveal the motives of the speaker
•
create suspense, often by foreshadowing events or by revealing the intentions of
the speaker
•
reinforce the theme
Aside
Asides are comments which were intended only for the audience. Aides are made in
presence of other characters on the stage; however, the audience is aware that these
other characters cannot hear these asides. The aside must be sort, otherwise it would
interfere with the course of the play. The purposes of asides are to:
•
draw attention to the significance of what has just been said or done
•
explain plot development
•
create humour by introducing a witty comment
•
create suspense by forewarning of events to come
Dramatic Irony
This situation occurs when the audience is aware of conditions that are unknown to the
characters on stage or when some of the characters are ignorant of what really is on the
speaker’s mind. If a character says something which the audience later realizes is ironic,
then this is referred to as delayed dramatic irony.
Contrast
This is a device by which one idea, character or object is thrown into opposition with
another for the sake of emphasis or clearness. The use of contrast heightens distinctions
of character and increases interest by placing opposites side by side.
Suspense
Suspense usually keeps the audience anxious concerning the outcome of the
protagonist’s conflict. Methods used to create suspense are:
•
Conflict: the audience wonders how the conflict
•
A Precarious Situation: how will the person involved escape?
•
An apparently insolvable problem
•
Foreshadowing: subsequent actions and events are suggested.
•
Delay: An anticipated event is delayed
Nemesis
1.
A source of harm or ruin: Uncritical trust is my nemesis.
2.
Retributive justice in its execution or outcome: To follow the proposed course of
action is to invite nemesis.
3.
An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome.
4.
One that inflicts retribution or vengeance.
Fate
Fate is the intervention of some force over which human beings have not control. It may
complicate the plot and increase suspense.
The Use of Humour
Shakespeare was fascinated by word play. Puns are therefore common in his plays. He
may also achieve humour by presenting the totally unexpected.
The Use of Supernatural
Audiences are always interested in the supernatural, even the less superstitious ones of
today. It can also provide suspense and give direction to the plot.
The Use of the Spectacular
Audiences enjoy scenes which present unusual sights to them. This could be created by
furious action, elaborate costuming or stage props. For this reason, Shakespeare
frequently employs fight scenes, crowd scenes, banquets, dancing parties and royal
courts.